Three 'Green' Date Ideas To Help Romance Bloom
Updated: 4:19 pm CDT May 16, 2009
By Alexandra Graves
Madison Magazine
Special To Channel 3000He finished his food, threw the container on the ground and walked on. I picked up his litter -- and my jaw -- off the ground, and threw it in the trash.He was so charming that I could chalk one time up to an accident. The second time, though, and it was time to toss the litter and the guy.I don't consider myself an extreme environmentalist, nor would I call myself an "ecosexual," the newly minted term for people who date exclusively in accordance with their green values. But littering? I thought everyone stopped doing that around the same time the El Camino went out of style. Call it a blast from the past or a huge turn-off, but either way, his and my values were clearly out of sync and the relationship (bio)degraded faster than a blueberry.Still, he got me thinking: how big is the carbon footprint of the average, non-littering date? Dinners out, drives to the theater, flowers--all of the classic staples can take their toll on the ozone. But with these three greener dates, they don't have to. Whether you're looking for an adventure for two, a lavish evening out or cozy night in, here are a few ideas to show that special someone you care about them and the environment.
Madison Magazine
Special To Channel 3000He finished his food, threw the container on the ground and walked on. I picked up his litter -- and my jaw -- off the ground, and threw it in the trash.He was so charming that I could chalk one time up to an accident. The second time, though, and it was time to toss the litter and the guy.I don't consider myself an extreme environmentalist, nor would I call myself an "ecosexual," the newly minted term for people who date exclusively in accordance with their green values. But littering? I thought everyone stopped doing that around the same time the El Camino went out of style. Call it a blast from the past or a huge turn-off, but either way, his and my values were clearly out of sync and the relationship (bio)degraded faster than a blueberry.Still, he got me thinking: how big is the carbon footprint of the average, non-littering date? Dinners out, drives to the theater, flowers--all of the classic staples can take their toll on the ozone. But with these three greener dates, they don't have to. Whether you're looking for an adventure for two, a lavish evening out or cozy night in, here are a few ideas to show that special someone you care about them and the environment.
Date 1: The Eco-Venture
Looking for something more heart pounding than dinner and a movie? Canoe or kayak the lakes on a Saturday morning and pick up something to eat afterward at the Dane County Farmers' Market, which opens outdoors this month.Bike through the Arboretum and stay awhile with a picnic--locally sourced, of course. Lightweight, reusable plastic dishes are ideal to pack and available at the Willy Street Co-op. For those with particularly steely thighs, Wollersheim Winery and Botham Vineyards are each located about thirty miles outside of Madison and both offer tastings and tours.Finally, there's no better way to get to know a person than stepping outside of your comfort zone. Enter partner yoga: between spandex garb, ninety-plus degree studios and poses like "happy baby," the potential for comedy is high. If you're both seasoned yogis, show off your sun salutations and help each other stretch further and breathe deeper. If not, sweat it out and laugh it off with a fellow yoga novice. Inner Fire Yoga and Jewel in the Lotus Yoga studios can schedule private sessions for two. Around Valentine's Day, look for couple's workshops at Inner Fire.To continue reading, visit MadisonMagazine.com.Copyright 2009 by Channel 3000. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
